How to Properly Care for Different Types of Jewellery?

Posted on July 15th, 2024 

Jewellery often holds significant sentimental and financial value, making its proper care essential.

Whether it’s a glimmering engagement ring, an heirloom necklace, or a celebratory bracelet, these cherished items deserve thoughtful maintenance to preserve their beauty and value.

Even the most exquisite pieces are vulnerable to wear and tear from everyday living.

Dirt accumulation, exposure to chemicals, and improper storage can dull their sparkle and deteriorate their integrity.

This article will explore how to properly care for different types of jewellery, ensuring they remain as stunning as the day they were acquired. 

General Jewellery Care Tips 

Proper jewellery care begins with basic maintenance principles that apply to all types of jewellery. 

Regular Cleaning  

1. Weekly Cleaning: Clean your jewellery once a week using a soft-bristle toothbrush with mild, fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water. This method helps remove dirt and oils that accumulate from daily wear. 
2. Rinsing and Drying: After scrubbing, rinse thoroughly with clean water and pat dry with a lint-free cloth to avoid water spots. 
3. Avoid Harsh Substances: Refrain from using abrasive materials and substances like toothpaste or baking soda, which can scratch or damage delicate surfaces. 

Proper Handling  

1. Gentle Handling: Handle your jewellery with care, ensuring you do not tug forcefully on rings, necklaces, or earrings. When putting on or removing pieces, do so over a soft surface like a cloth or a jewellery tray. 
2. Chemical Exposure: Minimize exposure to harsh chemicals found in cleaning agents, chlorine in swimming pools, and everyday cosmetics. These substances can tarnish metals and dull gemstones. 
3. Order of Application: Put your jewellery on last when getting ready and remove it first when undressing to avoid contact with perfumes, lotions, and hairsprays. 

Storage Solutions  

1. Individual Storage: Store your jewellery in individual compartments or soft pouches within a jewellery box to prevent scratches from other pieces. 
2. Dry Environment: Keep your jewellery in a dry environment to avoid tarnishing, especially for silver pieces. Anti-tarnish strips can be placed in storage boxes to absorb moisture. 
3. Avoid Tangling: Hang necklaces individually or lay them flat to prevent tangling and damage to delicate links. 

Cleaning and Polishing Different Types of Jewellery 

Different materials and gemstones require specific cleaning and polishing methods to maintain their beauty. Here’s how to care for various types of jewellery: 

Gold Jewellery  

1. Basic Cleaning: Use the soapy water method with a soft-bristle toothbrush. For stubborn dirt, a diluted ammonia and water solution can be used sparingly. 
2. Drying: Ensure gold pieces are thoroughly dried to avoid water spots that can dull their shine. 
3. Avoid Frequent Polishing: Excessive polishing can wear down the gold over time. Instead, rely on professional polishing services every 6-12 months. 

Silver Jewellery  

1. Silver Polish: Use special silver polish or a silver cleaning cloth to remove tarnish effectively. 
2. Homemade Solution: A paste made from bicarbonate of soda and water can also work wonders. Apply it with a soft cloth, then rinse and dry thoroughly. 
3. Avoid Silver Dips: Steer clear of commercial silver dips that can strip the silver of its finish. 

Platinum Jewellery  

1. Gentle Cleaning: Clean platinum with a gentle soap and water mix, avoiding abrasive materials. 
2. Professional Polishing: Platinum can dull over time, so consider professional polishing services to restore its mirror-like finish. 

Gemstones  

1. Diamonds, Sapphires, and Rubies: Clean these tough gemstones with warm soapy water and a gentle scrub using a soft toothbrush. 
2. Porous Gemstones: For opals, turquoise, and pearls, use a soft, damp cloth. Avoid prolonged exposure to water or chemicals. 
3. Drying: Always dry gemstones carefully. For pearls, lay them flat to maintain their shape. 

Smart Jewellery Storage Solutions 

Proper storage is crucial to protect jewellery from scratches, tarnish, and other forms of damage. Here are some smart storage solutions: 

Rings and Earrings  

1. Individual Compartments: Use small jewellery boxes with divided sections to keep rings and earrings separate and prevent scratches. 
2. Soft Pouches: Store each piece in a soft pouch if individual compartments are unavailable. 

Necklaces and Chains  

1. Hanging Storage: Hang necklaces individually or lay them flat without tangling to prevent damage to delicate links. 
2. Tangle-Free: Use soft pouches or lined drawers to keep necklaces and chains tangle-free. 

Bracelets and Bangles  

1. Fabric-Lined Boxes: Store bracelets and bangles in fabric-lined boxes or soft pouches to prevent dents and scratches. 
2. Separate Storage: Keep each piece separate from harder items to avoid contact and damage. 

Travelling with Jewellery  

1. Travel Cases: Invest in sturdy travel jewellery cases with individual compartments and padding to protect your items during travel. 
2. Secure Storage: Use a case that offers structure and protection, preventing items from jostling around and sustaining damage. 

Special Care for Handmade Jewellery 

Handmade jewellery requires extra attention due to its unique craftsmanship and delicate materials. Here’s how to care for these special pieces: 

Cleaning Handmade Jewellery  

1. Gentle Solutions: Use a soft-bristle toothbrush with diluted mild soap or a specialized jewellery cleaner suited for handmade pieces. 
2. Avoid Soaking: Do not soak handmade jewellery for extended periods to preserve the intricate design. 
3. Compressed Air: For pieces with delicate materials like beading or fine wire, use compressed air for dust removal instead of a brush. 

Storing Handmade Jewellery  

1. Spacious Storage: Keep handmade items in spacious, fabric-lined sections within a jewellery box, ensuring they do not rub against each other. 
2. Soft Wraps: Wrap each piece in a soft, lint-free cloth before placing it in its compartment to prevent scratches and tangling. 
3. Dry Environment: Avoid moist environments to prevent tarnishing or degradation of delicate materials. 

Wearing Handmade Jewellery  

1. Chemical-Free: Put handmade jewellery on last and remove it first to avoid exposure to perfumes, lotions, and chemicals. 
2. Gentle Activities: Avoid rigorous activities that could damage delicate components. Return pieces to their storage immediately after use. 
3. Regular Checks: Frequently inspect handmade jewellery for any signs of damage or wear and address issues promptly to prevent further deterioration. 

Wrapping Up

Properly caring for different types of jewellery ensures they remain as stunning and valuable as the day they were acquired. By following these detailed cleaning, handling, and storage tips, you can maintain the beauty and longevity of your cherished pieces.

At NLG Jewellers Limited, we are committed to providing top-notch service and expert care for your jewellery.  

Ready to adorn yourself with the finest jewellery or need expert repairs? Your journey to elegance starts here.

Take advantage of our extensive array of services and products at NLG Jewellers Limited in Hatton.

Reach out to us at 07956 536856 or via email at [email protected].

Our aim is to blend our expertise with your care routines, ensuring your jewellery not only retains its beauty but grows in personal and aesthetic value over the years. Make informed decisions today with the assurance that every piece in your collection holds its radiant charm for generations to come.